DANIA PROSTITUTION SOLICITORS FACE CONFISCATION OF VEHICLES

Law enforcement officers have a new way to stop prostitution and drug-related crimes in the city.

A new ordinance passed on Tuesday will allow sheriff's deputies to impound cars driven by individuals accused of trying to buy sex or drugs. The owner would be fined $500 plus towing and storage fees to regain their cars.

Commissioners passed the ordinance unanimously. The ordinance should help law enforcement authorities battle a 20-year prostitution and drug problem in Dania Beach, Commissioner Jim Cali said.

"We want to send this message: If you want to do this crime, you're going to pay and pay dearly," he said.

The ordinance is one of three commissioners passed on Tuesday as part of a strategy to fight prostitution and drug-related crimes.

The other two ordinances target landlords in the city. One ordinance requires landlords of single-family homes and duplexes to obtain a $30 license to rent their property. The other sets up a five-member nuisance board that would review, fine or shut down properties used for drug sales and prostitution.

The three ordinances are necessary tools for authorities to fight crime in Dania Beach, Commissioner Bob Mikes said.

Under a special clause in the impoundment ordinance, the city must prove that a vehicle was used in a prostitution or drug-related crime or return the vehicle without any penalties or fees, city officials said.

"People who think they have the old rules under control will have new rules to deal with," Mayor John Bertino said.

The ordinance is similar to laws in West Palm Beach, Miami, Hollywood and Hallandale Beach. Authorities say passage of the ordinance in one city merely displaces the crimes to nearby municipalities.

"It's important for cities to continue the effort," said Robert Anton, chief of the Broward Sheriff's Office District II in Dania Beach.

"It'll be a deterrent. If word gets out they might lose their cars, they'll think twice about picking up a prostitute or buying drugs," Assistant City Manager Jason Nunemaker said.

Under federal and state laws, law enforcement can seize property such as cars or computers used to commit crimes. Cities must use the money collected from auctioning the items for crime-fighting programs.